Friday, August 12, 2011

Happy (Independence) Days Are Here Again!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! I loved the totem and the cactii - just so Mexico!

It's the first time I touched obsidian - a glossy, jet black stone, peculiar to the region. Would have loved to ship some of this back, but settled for a tiny turtle instead. Turtles and frogs symbolise fertility and water . Love both.

This little Aztec dancer sure knew his moves.

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BlogDosts, I am in a bit of a flap. Do you think this space is like Tripadvisor? Should I be paying attention to Big B's blog and taking tips from it??? These were the two comments last week that got me thinking. Let me address the first - I enjoy travel. I like sharing images and experiences. I have asked you guys in the past and most of you have given me a thumbs up on posting both. Are we still on the same page? Do you want me to keep a travel diary here or not?

About Mr. B, there are basic differences. He is a superstar with a gigantic fan base across the world. He has a constituency to nurture. That is what stars, politicians and performing artists do. Nurture fans. Feed them regularly. Perhaps his blog is monetised... it doesn't matter. We are different creatures with different motivations for blogging. Shall we leave it at that?

I love this space because it belongs to us - both , you and me. We meet here to gup shup - no agenda. No strings attached. I am not peddling anything. I have nothing to push. Nobody pays me to be here. Just as nobody forces you to visit. That's the best part of blogging. It is so democratic! I wait to read your comments and I'd like to believe you wait for the next post with as much eagerness. But... it's time for some straight talk. And I'd like to get it from you directly...

I'll be leaving for Pune tomorrow. The camera is sulking and stays home!

You have your uniqueness, individuality and style that we love - no need to take tips from anyone else. You and your blog are both wonderful, Ms. De and you have humbled this fan by acknowledging my comment. I don't mind the trip info. but I have to say that I find it a tab mehhh/blehh... but it's cute I guess and it chronicles your life so it's good.. It really is your blog and you can write whatever you want to. I personally wait to read your take on social issues, high society humbug, politics etc. Most importantly I respect you since you treat your writing space as "sacred" and your loyalty is to your viewer (me...yay!)..we hang on to every word you say...You are YOU, so do whatever you feel like. I remember reading your column in TOI when I was in school in the 90s and feeling stronger as a girl - even if the topic was no relevant to female empowerment..That's the beauty and power of your words. Your devoted readers will continue to read your posts no matter what!

This is your blog... your space. It is truly your choice. A blog can be a very potent, very powerful tool. Do you want to use it as a tool? Or do you write the blog as an excercise in relaxation? How do you view your very own blog and where do you want it to go? Ofcourse as readers we are bound to accept whatever direction you take.

I like your travel pieces as much as your social commentary. Having seen a few of the places you write about, it is always fun to see them again through your eyes. About the social commentary, I see you as the ultimate insider in many circles so your take on a situation is always fun to read.

Personally I would love if you wrote commentary on your thought process ... why you wrote what you did, when you give us article links. A little background and backstory if you will. Bonuses like that make me feel involved in what people have to say. When I read a book, sometimes an author's note, a preface or just the acknowledgements in a book tell me so much more than just the main text.

A little tripadvisor is not a bad thing at all, and neither is a lot of gossip :) Travelling with an articulate, gossipy friend with strong opinions is probably the best trip and best read of all. As a reader my bags are always packed for such a trip.

I am avid reader of your blog and also follow Mr B. very few can write as lucid as you. please keep it that way....I love the honesty and conviction in your expression and comparisons are uncalled for...regards,Raj

I regularly read your as well as Mr. Bachchan's blog and I have never commented on yours as well his blog.

I read both the blogs as I like how both of you write. I have noticed that as far as your relationship with Big B is concerned, you do tend to make some comment on him, mostly adverse without any rhyme or reason. Big B has never commented on you personally unless you are getting personal.Why do you need to comment!!

You are a celebrity in your own way. You can criticize his performance, but why get personal and pass unnecessary comments, which ultimately shows you in poor light.

Love your blog! It's so simple, fun, & joyful @ times. No, we don't need only up tied blogs like big B, I got no time for that. I've done that enough in school library where we don't have choice on what we want to read; but to read some serious, dull books & topics in terms of trying hard to make ourself important in our future/present life! I wonder how did I missed reading her in my 90s? Even, though by accidentally I didn't miss her up to date/ attractive shows like Swabiman which many of us can relate to. Old wealth, new game, new spouse, new gf, surprise baby & ofcourse greedy enemy! Love that show!!! So as her blog, full of action. You can't compare dull big b to her! Not fair! One who writes from heart is the best writer to me, & this is certainly her own space where she can pen down whatever & however she likes to do. That's what makes who she is!!! The only&only Mz.De! If people starts pretending & lying to themselves on blog just meet other people's expectation then that's not fun & ethically unfair to readers!

We love you just the way you're! No need to change but so humble of you to reciprocate someone's concerned! More pros to you!

i loved the picture of little azetc dancer so sweet,nice to know about mexico via pictures.keep your travel diary here i dont see anything wrong its very sweet of u to share your experiances ,pictures ,i want you to continue the same way,dont get perturbed.About Big B blog i really dont know i follow only your blog.Its best to follow the path of one's own personality and the messagesfor the success that follow. i liked this line wanted to share it with you somehow it fits the situation.Dear capricorn chill and camera is not meant to sulk but to store great pictures to be shared with blogdosts!Happy Independence dAY!

As for your blog, you give complete freedom and never ban anybody and no moderators lurking. That means you are not insecure like others and you believe in freedom of speech. And it is so refreshing. And when you analyse, you really do very good job of it.We love you for what you are.

Dont be a copycat! Ur good as Dey and dont try to become knight by imitating anyone, however big he may be. Your travelogue gives us glimpses of places which we may be able to see or travel to. So stick on to original.

Hello, Ms de, Please continue blogging about u r travel experiences, they are a refreshing change from the daily rut of corrupt indian politicians and breaking news with which we are bombarded everyday on telly By the way.. i hope you are reading this.. but i was hoping u could do a small blog on the restaurant u ate at in London a few months ago called "DINNER" (chef heston).. i guess you forgot coz it was the same time as the babaramdev tamasha happened.. Hope u will do a blog on it in the future.. P.S.. Also hoping for a blog on the london riots!!!!!!!

Hi Shobhaa,Dont let any comments make you change your style. Bachchan is bachchan but then you are Shobhaa and we love you as you are, bold and so natural.You are a star to many. May be most of us do not respond by way of comments, but that doesnt in any way mean that you are not as much read. Please keep blogging on travel and whatever you feel like sharing, we love you.With lots of regardsMuralee

Hi Shobhaa,really surprised that you take such comments so seriously. Your post on Mahrashtrian festival in Chicago was an excellent write up. You are a writer with a distinctively original and racy style. your blog on Dhoni's mother was superb ,the narrative laced with genuine emotion.Only you could have woven that tapestery with your artistry. you're one of a kind and every woman with a mind of her own will be proud of you.Keep marching ahead.May you keep growing.Love and best wishes.

Hi Shobhaa, please continue blogging. I, along with a majority of your die hard fans love reading you sassy, direct, honest and straight forward blogs. There is nothing. As you so rightly put it, no one is forced to visit this blog site. So don't even think about these naysayers and their comments. We love you and love reading your blog. Love, Pam

Hi Shobhaa, i just love reading your blogs and all about your travel adventures. Very informative too. Please do not ever think about giving up writing your blog. It is truly one of the highlights of my day like my morning chai. Even in a space so virtual, there feels such a sense a familiarity and bonding. I also follow Mr.B's blog and also admire his style of writing. But you are unique in your own way. And please feel free to post the pictures from your travels. I really love them. Those who dont like them always have a choice to not visit your blog. Looking forward to many more...Happy Independence Day !!

i simply love your blog.you have a rare penchant and a free flowing pen.we terribly miss the column whenever its not there.please carry on D without any Qualms.you are expressive and highly impressive and gem of a person.

Oh Oh! I hate it when blogging becomes duty bound. Blogging should be without any obligation, that is why I have put the blogging without obligation logo on my side bar! ( You can borrow it an put it on your blog too, if you like)

This is your space and place...write about anything and anyone...we love what you write...for me blogging is therapeutic and I am sure you feel the same way when you interact through this forum....your travel blogs are not necessarily just always tourism blogs...they include info. on local food, culture and most importantly your views and perspectives on that paryticular city/country -- and I like that. So, don't worry...keep writing. Blogging should be relaxing, fun and a place where you let your hair down and just speak up your mind and relax. and there is no need to compare with anyone else's blog. To each his or her own. Ok, now waiting to hear on your trip to Pune :)

I love ur blog Ms.De,no comparison. I guess very very few people can have the style of writing like this. Readers cant afford to miss one line. I have Mr.B's too, but I think its bit hypocritical. U r two diff people,n we cant compare ur writings.n Yes love ur travel posts too!

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You have your uniqueness, individuality and style that we love - no need to take tips from anyone else. You and your blog are both wonderful, Ms. De and you have humbled this fan by acknowledging my comment. I don't mind the trip info. but I have to say that I find it a tab mehhh/blehh...Bingopoker tips

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